Page 7 of Deception

The woman was striking in a wholesome way. She had chestnut-brown hair that came below her shoulders in soft waves, a bright toothy smile, and smooth skin with a few freckles across her nose. She wore a flowered maxi dress and a jean jacket along with white sneakers and a brown leather crossbody bag strapped over her chest.

Her earnestness had made her a TikTok sensation. More than two million people had begun to follow her story online. It was quite impressive, to be sure.

Rebecca was twenty-seven years old, only two years older than Olive. Back when Olive had lived in Oasis, Rebecca had lived in California, so they’d never met.

Five years ago, the woman had moved here with her husband, Matt.

Four years ago, their little girl had been born.

Three years ago, she’d been diagnosed with stage four blood cancer and had been given a year to live.

Two years ago, she was still in treatment.

Nine months ago, she’d been declared in remission.

Three months ago, a scan and blood tests showed the cancer had returned.

“You must be Olive Robinson.” Rebecca rose, her voice as warm as syrup—but it didn’t sound fake.

Normally when Olive went undercover, she chose a different last name. But since she’d lived in this town at one time, she stuck with the name she’d used while living here. That would make this assignment more interesting, to say the least.

For most people, it was strange to change names when they moved. Not for Olive’s family. She’d thought changing her last name with every move was normal. However, her father had said she and her sisters weren’t allowed to mention the fact to anyone. Later, when Olive was older, he’d said it was because he worked for the government. He’d said he would explain it all to her one day.

One day had never come.

“Rebecca . . . it’s nice to meet you.” Olive extended her hand. “I’m Olive, and this is my assistant, Nova.”

“I look forward to talking to y’all.” Rebecca’s smile radiated friendliness and Texas charm. “I was intrigued when I got your email, and I’m so honored you thought of me. I’m just an ordinary girl who’s been thrown into extraordinary circumstances.”

That could be a good sound bite—if Olive was really doing this documentary.

As the scent of toasty bread and coffee rose around them, they sat at the table Rebecca had claimed. She’d already ordered a charcuterie board, which sat at the center of the table.

Rebecca followed Olive’s gaze to the meat and cheese spread.

“I hope y’all don’t mind that I already ordered something. But good foodalwaysmakes everything better, doesn’t it? Although, I haven’t had much of an appetite lately, to be honest.” Her smile waned as if betraying her inner struggle.

“I can imagine.” Olive offered a compassionate frown.

The empathy wasn’t all fake. Part of her did feel badly for the woman. And Olive needed to keep an open mind and consider the fact Rebecca could be telling the truth.

The waitress appeared, so they quickly glanced at the menu.

After she took their orders, Olive turned back to Rebecca. It was time to get started.

Olive dove into her opening spiel.

CHAPTER 4

“As I told you on the phone, we want to do a preliminary interview with you—nothing that’s recorded or official,” Olive started, grabbing a cracker and piece of cheese from the board in front of her. “When it comes to our documentaries with Union Bay Productions, we like to first get a good feel for our subjects. Then both parties decide whether or not they want to proceed.”

“Of course.” Rebecca munched on a grape.

“The good news is that we already have financing lined up and guaranteed distribution to streaming networks.”

“That’s amazing.” Rebecca nodded enthusiastically.

If this documentary were real, then it would open up incredible opportunities for Rebecca. Only she didn’t know none of this was real. It wouldn’t make her TikTok career flourish. If anything, this investigation could ruin her.